William (“Bill” and “Sandy”) Ehrhardt Sanders, 68, died on September 10, 2023 after a brief illness. Mr. Sanders was born in Harrisburg, but his family soon moved to Blossom Hill in Manheim Township, Lancaster County.
He was a 1972 graduate of Manheim Township High School, where he was a standout basketball player. His competitive sports interests continued, as he played in basketball leagues throughout the Lancaster area and for the Lancaster Big Five traveling team and Brubaker Lumber. He was also an avid and gifted golfer, playing in local tournaments and with his Sunday morning “show and go” friends.
In addition to sports, he loved doing crossword puzzles with his wife Marlene and reading. He was also a music fan, who for years made an annual trip to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival with dear friends.
A lifelong resident of Lancaster County, and a long-time resident in the West End of the City of Lancaster, he worked in the automobile industry, first for Executives Inc., a family-owned business, and most recently for Hondru Auto. His face was easily recognized by those at the Manheim, ABC and Garden Spot Auto Auctions as he spent years buying and selling cars at auctions.
He will be greatly missed by many. He is survived by Marlene Sanders, his loving wife of 40 years; sister Christine Powers and her husband Richard Powers of Lancaster; brother Wardell Sanders and his wife Erica Rubine of Lambertville, New Jersey; and nephews and nieces Richard Garrity Powers, Daniel Patrick Powers, William Lloyd Powers, Lily Joy Sanders, and Ian Stuart Sanders; and great nieces Sloane Powers, Quinn Powers, and Ellie Powers. He is predeceased by his parents, William Kaufman Sanders and Maryella Sanders; and a sister, Joy Susan Sanders Gordinier.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 19th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Debord Snyder Funeral Home, 141 East Orange Street, Lancaster.
Please omit flowers. If desired, contributions in Mr. Sanders’ memory may be made to: the Gap Caddy Program, Caddie Scholarship, 1974 Sproul Road, Broomall, PA 19008; Lancaster Boys and Girls Club, P.O. Box 104, Lancaster, PA 17608; the Lancaster YMCA, 265 Harrisburg Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603; or to Hospice and Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.
Larry Roskos says
Marlene and the Sanders Family – Shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of my old friend and former long time neighbor. I fondly remember socializing in the back yard, talking over the hedge. I can see Sandy now meticulously trimming that hedge and relaxing in the yard after the work was done. He was always willing to help me with my golf game and was a patient teacher. Good times in the neighborhood. Requiescat In Pace my friend. Your easy demeanor, wit and ready smile will be missed. All my best to Marlene.
Marlene says
Thanks for your word. Numb, gone in 5 days Hanging in
Bill Houck says
I only knew Bill from many years ago playing basketball. He always seemed like a great young man, and it certainly appears he continued on that path. My condolences.
Steve & Sally Mentzer says
We will always have great memories of Sandy. He will be missed.
Bob Ramer says
Marlene,
So sorry to hear about Bill. May flights of angels sing Bill to his rest, may light perpetual shine on him, and may he rise in glory. Sending you prayers for strength as you walk this path.
Christine Calhoun says
I have thought of you often over these many years — hoping you are well. I’m so very sorry to read of Bill’s passing through Fb. Sending deepest sympathies, Marlene.
Charlie Kurtz says
Sandy will be missed by all that knew him.
I have great memories of playing golf with him. Show & Go at LCC and more recently with the friday group at Overlook! Thanks for the memories Sandy!
Ron Smith says
Dear family:
So sorry to hear about Sandy.
He was always an engaging and fair competitor at “show and go”
With deepest sympathy.
Ron
Phil Burtoft says
Marlene, Christine, Ward and family. I am so sorry to hear of Sandy’s passing. Time goes so fast. As I look back on the 40+ years I knew Sandy I wish I had stayed more connected. We shared some great memories over the years along with a passion for golf, cars and pickup basketball. Rest in peace my friend you will be missed.
Tom Patrick says
Marlene and family,
I am so sad to hear of Sandy’s passing. We go back to being basketball teammates in many tournaments and leagues and he was my car go to guy at Executives for years. We were close friends and he came to Philadelphia after I left Lancaster to play in highly competitive semi pro basketball leagues. We lost touch when I moved to Florida in the 1980s. I have thought of him often and have asked many common friends for contact information which I never received. He was one if my dearest friends in life and just thinking of some of our escapades makes me smile. Sandy was a special person and we are all so lucky to have known him and enjoyed portions of life with him. He is missed but always remembered. I offer my deepest condolences to you and his extended family.
God Bless Sandy and his extended family.
Tom Patrick